Ho! Ho! Ho! Are
you ready to have your best time at Toronto Santa Claus parade? Here, we’ve
pulled together some interesting tidbits about the parade’s 113 year old
history! So don’t miss it. - Brought to you by PartsAvatar Auto Body Parts!!
Every age group
eagerly wait for this parade in Toronto. So, are you also one of them? Before
participating, why not brush up your knowledge? Here, we will suggest you how
to have best time in Snowy parade!!
Toronto has been
hosting this parade for about 113 years. Santa Claus parade is regarded as one
of the oldest and largest parade of its type on earth.
The very first
parade of Santa Claus was held in Toronto in 1905 which was an idea of Timothy
Eaton, the founder of Canada’s famous retail chain. He arranged for Santa to
arrive at the old union station on Front Street. He was collected at the union
station and was delivered to downtown’s eaten store. Along the way, he tossed small bags of candy,
nuts and trinkets to children lining the route. Hence the parade grew in size
each year and attracted large crowds.
Enough with the history!
It’s time for some interesting tidbits about this parade.
Real Reindeer pulled Santa’s sleigh!
In 1913, live
reindeer was imported from Labrador to pull Santa’s sleigh. The reindeer had
their own veterinarian and were fed reindeer moss- their favourite food. There
were special baskets on poles carried around where children could drop their
letters and each one received personal letter back from him!
It is said that
the reindeer was adopted by Eaton’s executive and he retired to his estate
outside the city.
Original floats were used!
Unlike today
where we have floats by toy companies, the original floats were nursery rhyme
characters.
Lions are banned from the parade!
Riders dressed
like lions were meant to help pull the horses on Santa’s sleigh. But their
costume spooked the horses, and they had to be banned from the parade to avoid
commotion.
Never missed
a year!
Despite bad
weather, world wars, and even Eaton Company pulling its sponsorship, there had
not been a single year that Santa hasn’t made his way down the Toronto Streets
and delighted every age group by cheerfully saying “Ho! Ho! Ho!”
Aired live from Toronto!!
Don’t worry if
you can’t make it to the parade. You can watch it live, thanks to CBC. The
parade was first broadcast on the radio in the 1930s and was aired live on the
CBC starting in 1952.
With TVs
becoming a big part of people’s home, Santa Claus parade went from being just a
holiday parade to being seen in dozens of countries throughout the world and
Santa became a television star.
Prime minister can’t send or accept gifts!
According to the
federal accountability act of 2009, the Canada’s Prime Minister and his family
members are not allowed to accept or send Christmas gift cards, monetary gifts
or perishable food items like cookies or cakes.
Canada post help Santa answer every letter!
Canada post
volunteers donate 200000 hours annually to assist Santa answer every letter
that he receives.
Santa’s parade had a big hand in ending Cold War!
In 1989, the Santa
Claus parade was broadcast live by the Russian broadcasters in Soviet Union. It
helped change, Russia’s opinion about the west and aired for next three years.
Costumes were made of paper!!
During World War
II, there was shortage of materials like metal and cotton. So at that time
organizers used paper to create costumes for the parade.
Santa’s Secret workshop!
Many of us think
that Santa has his secret toy workshop in the North Pole, but his parade float
workshop is located in north York.
Its route has grown by time!
Santa clause
parade’s route was so brief in the beginning that it used to cover union
station to Eaton centre in just 10 minutes. But, now it has grown to 5.6 km so
that kids can have interaction with Santa without any hustle.
Enjoy the parade with Santa’s App!
Two free apps
have been created with the organizers so that the mass can enjoy the classic
tradition. The App Track Santa shows the location of Santa along the parade and
Shake the bells let everyone join in on Santa’s ride with the shake of a phone.
Tips for attendees to enjoy the parade!
Arrive early at
the venue. Want to claim a good spot for yourself and your friends? Make your
way soon.
Find a good
place to stand. Organizers recommend standing near Christie pits, as this way
you are exposed to cold weather for less time. It’s not that cold in the beginning
of parade, so you can thoroughly enjoy it.
Snacks or meal stores
get crowded nearby the parade. It is recommended to bring your own snack. You
can bring along cookies and hot chocolate and can enjoy it with your friends
and family.
Exiting is quite
dangerous. Sometimes, it’s just like a stampede is occurring. So, take your
time, wait for five minutes or more till the exit is clear. This way you can
get out safely. Sometimes, due to heavy rush while exiting, people lose track
of their children, so it will be wise to wait rather than rush.
Don’t forget to
bring a blanket!
You can enjoy
more if you bring along your friends, family. This way you can hang around with
them and can spend quality time chatting, eating cookies and drinking hot chocolate.
It’s really pleasant.
Santa’s parade
of lights is a spectacular night time parade with colourful and brightly lit
floats, dancers and marching bands winding their way through the streets of
Oshawa much to the delight of little boys, girls and the young at heart.
Plan a Santa Claus
Parade themed day trip or a Christmas lights family evening out and explore the
beauty of Toronto! Don’t forget all the delicious eateries to enjoy while you
are downtown!!
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